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Celebrate Prairie Heritage on September 1, 2008

WEST BRANCH, IOWA— Celebrate Prairie Heritage Day on Monday, Labor Day, September 1 at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., interpreters demonstrate historic crafts, games, school teaching, and other activities from 19th century West Branch. Games and home crafts demonstrations by costumed volunteers take place near the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage. Visit the 1853 West Branch Schoolhouse for historic school teaching activities. Park Ranger Chuck Ping will also demonstrate the art and craft of blacksmithing in the Blacksmith Shop.

Guided walks of the 81-acre tallgrass prairie start at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum at 10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Park rangers will introduce families to the plants and animals of Iowa’s tallgrass prairies and discuss how the National Park Service is restoring this endangered habitat. The walk is one half-mile and lasts about one hour. Bring water, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent are also recommended.

“Laura Ingalls Wilder Remembered” begins at 1:30 p.m. inside the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum with musical selections by the widely acclaimed Marengo Civil War Band. Following the music, Sarah S. Uthoff, reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College, will portray Mrs. Wilder. The program repeats at 3:00 p.m.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 of I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space.